Jewell Seeks Redemption
Kurt Jewell is no stranger to the WSOP Circuit. Last season he won the Main Event in Hammond for $242,909 and qualified for the National Championship. A few months later, Jewell final tabled the event here in Tunica and was primed to capture his second Main Event title with over half the chips in play eight handed. Unfortunately for him, a cruel twist of fate saw him go from the top to the trash heap as he finished in eighth place for just $17,328. Eventually Sam Barnhart went on to win that event, which served as a springboard to his amazing 2011.
Obviously Jewell was disappointed with his performance, but he had a chance to redeem himself today and is doing just that. Not only did he make his second consecutive final table in the Main Event here at Harrah's Tunica, he has already improved upon last year's finish and is playing top-notch poker.
Here is a look back at Jewell's downfall from last year according to the PokerNews Blog:
An unbelievable turn of events has transpired here at Harrah's Tunica. Just ninety minutes ago Kurt Jewell, winner of the Main Event at the WSOPC Hammond, held nearly half the chips in play with over 4.7 million. He has now been eliminated from the tournament in eighth place.
It all began when Jewell doubled a few short stacks and cut his big stack in half. Recently became involved in a hand where Mary Harden raised to 150,000 from early position and Jewell called from middle position. It was heads up to the 
flop and Harden bet 350,000. Jewell called as the dealer burned and turned the 
. This time Harden bet 325,000 and again Jewell called. When the 
peeled off on the river, Harden moved all in for 705,000. Jewell tanked before making the call and then mucked when Harden flipped 
. Harden doubled to 3.1 million while Jewell was left with just 670,000.
On the very next hand, Jewell moved all in holding 
and was called by Sam Barnhart, who held 
. The board ran out 
and Jewell's epic downfall was complete. He was eliminated from the tournament in eighth place.